DeSean Jackson says Chip Kelly plans to use him like De'Anthony Thomas

Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted:
Friday, February 1, 2013, 3:43 PM

NEW ORLEANS – Want to know how Chip Kelly intends to use DeSean Jackson?

Hop on YouTube and type in the name “De'Anthony Thomas.”

Jackson, at the Super Bowl Media Center on Friday being whisked from one Radio Row interview to another, said that the new Eagles coach gave him an idea of how he plans to utilize him in his offense when they spoke a few weeks ago.

“Kind of similar to what DeAnthony Thomas was doing at Oregon. He’s like a little brother to me. I actually talked to him," Jackson said of Thomas. "He was passing on information to me, like I’m going to be pumped up and psyched to be in that offense. It just keeps defenses off guard any time you go in motion, fake play-action, go down the field. There’s just so many things you can do.”

Thomas is listed as a running back, but the Ducks junior-to-be is too versatile to be defined by one position. With Kelly as his coach for two seasons, he did it all – rushing, receiving, and returning, and already has 2,235 all-purpose yards.

Jackson and Thomas have much in common. They’re both fast, they’re both small (Jackson is listed 5-foot-10, 175 pounds; Thomas is a thicker 5-9, 173) and they’re both from Los Angeles. Jackson said Kelly told him to be prepared to have the ball in his hands more than usual, but other than that provided little detail.

“He called me and was very excited. I could tell in his voice,” Jackson said. “He was like, ‘Let me know when you’re back in Philly so we can just talk fact to face.’ I actually talked to Pat Shurmur. He was my coach when I first got to Philly. He’s excited, as well.”

The Eagles have not yet confirmed the hiring, but Shurmur will be the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator. Jackson said he had no idea if it would be Michael Vick, Nick Foles or some quarterback to be named throwing him passes next season.

“I think Vick is still capable of doing some great things, especially with Chip Kelly having that spread offense,” Jackson said. “We’ll see.”

Jackson’s Radio Row interviews were among the first ones he’s done since fracturing his ribs in late November against the Panthers. The receiver was placed on Injured Reserve and missed the final five games of the season.

Jackson, who said his ribs were “98 percent” healthy, said that it was difficult not playing out the season even though the losing continued and Andy Reid would end up being fired a day after the season ended.

“It was tough, but I just supported them the best I could throughout the situation,” Jackson said. “It was tough on everybody. I’m just looking forward to going out there this year and erasing everything.”